Parole Meaning
/pəˈɹoʊl/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounOriginally, one's oath or word of honour, given as a condition of release from custody; now specifically, describing the release of a former prisoner under certain conditions, especially the promise of good behaviour.
nounConditional release of a prisoner (now especially before the end of a custodial sentence), or the term or state of such release; the system governing such releases.
Sentence Examples
Tom was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Tom was sentenced to life without parole.
CEFR Practice Quiz
After serving five years, the prisoner was granted ____ and released under supervision.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The prisoner was released on ____ after serving half of his sentence with good behavior.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Middle French parole (“word, formal promise”), from Old French parole, from Late Latin parabola (“speech”), from Ancient Greek παραβολή (parabolḗ). Doublet of parabola, parable, and palaver.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"A Minnesota woman who killed her 6-year-old son will now spend the rest of her life in prison without the possibility of parole."
— 2023 February 16, WCCO Staff, “Julissa Thaler sentenced to life in prison for murdering 6-year-old son, Eli Hart”, in cbsnews.com:
"This man had forfeited his military parole."
— 1849–1861, Thomas Babington Macaulay, The History of England from the Accession of James the Second, volume (please specify |volume=I to V), London: Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans, →OCLC:
"In hospital he gave his parole, and was enlarged after paying for the torn blanket."
— 1926, T.E. Lawrence, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, New York: Anchor, published 1991, page 167:
"‘Classical quotation is the parole of literary men all over the world.’"
— 1791, James Boswell, Life of Johnson, Oxford, published 2008, page 1143:
"[…] their parole or watchword, which is orange, distinguishes them from the rebels in any action, to prevent disagreeable mistakes."
— 1796, John Stedman, chapter 4, in Narrative of a Five Years’ Expedition,, volume 1, London: J. Johnson, page 80:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
After serving five years, the prisoner was granted ____ and released under supervision.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The prisoner was released on ____ after serving half of his sentence with good behavior.